How to make small spaces appear larger

Mar 20, 2021

3 min read

The key to successful small-space living is easier than you think. It all narrows down to tricking the eye into perceiving more space by employing simple concepts such as colour, scale, light, and movement.

Here are a couple of tips and tricks to make your small space appear bigger:

Colour palette.

Light Paint – Different colours have different Light Reflectance Values (the ability of a colour to reflect light). Therefore, you should consider paint colours with high Light Reflectance Values for a small space. They brighten up the space and make it appear larger. Such colours include white, light greys, light blush, light greens and blues.
Monochromatic Scheme- This is a colour palette with similar hues. This technique helps in achieving harmony and cohesiveness in a space. It builds up rhythm, making the space roomier and welcoming. Nevertheless, you can add few accent pieces in accessories such as throw pillows and blankets to break up monotony and boredom.
Super dark colours– Medium shades can make a room appear smaller, but when you use deep dark paint colours, you create contrast, which creates depth and the illusion of a larger space. This is an option for people who don’t want super bright colours.

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Lighting

White light-This type of light will brighten up your space and accentuate the real colours of items in your space.
Many light sources– Do not solely rely on one source of light. Incorporate a standing lamp, table lamp or light brackets on the wall. These pieces allow upward focus of light, illuminating the ceiling better hence enhancing the sense of space.
Compact lighting fixtures- long luxurious chandeliers in a small space only make it feel more compressed and cluttered. Stick to simple and really slender pendants.

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Furniture

Multifunctional furniture-Furniture with multiple purposes clear up the space and enable you to adapt the room for various activities. They also help declutter the space since they can provide additional storage.
Choose furniture with legs– These pieces feel less heavy and allow proper view of the space giving an illusion of a larger space. This is because the brain processes the whole dimension of the space due to lack of barriers.
Light and transparent furniture- These pieces can feel as if they take up less space since they don’t obstruct vision. They allow you to feel the flow of the space tricking the mind to perceive a larger space. Light and transparent furniture come inform of glass or acrylic.
Proper proportions between furniture and your space. – It helps in balancing your negative and positive space and allows easy movement around the space. (positive space is occupied space, e.g. with furniture, while negative space is empty or unoccupied space, e.g. empty room)

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Accessories

Mirrors-Mirrors reflect light hence lighting up the space and making the colours pop. The reflection also lures the mind to perceiving a larger space due to the duplication it creates. A mirror is most effect when it is opposite the window as it reflects all the light. Do not be afraid of going big on the mirror.
Rugs-Proper sized rugs help define a space best. Patterns can clutter and cause congestion to a space. However, striped rugs can give the illusion of a larger space. For better results of this trick, use stiped black and white rugs with the lines facing the longer side of the room. Also, you can use a wall-to-wall floor coverage to make the area look larger.
Clear vases-Just like clear furniture, they do not interrupt the line of vision and therefore feel non-existing while adding beauty to a space.
Textures– Ensure to use soft and smooth textures as they help expand your space.

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Architectural

Floor-length window treatments can make walls look taller. They also bring in tones of light, illuminating the space.
Strong vertical lines direct the eye upwards. Use high doors since they exaggerate the height of the ceiling in your mind and also look classy and elegant.
Curved lines– Arches, rounded corners and palladium windows allow movement of the eye, tricking the mind to conceptualize largeness.
Open up the ceiling to the sky. This creates vertical length and creates an open and airy vibe.
Build a glossy ceiling– This helps move and reflect light around the space, creating the illusion of height.

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Others

Cut the clutter– Every piece in a space should have a significant purpose. Too much stuff in a room can make it look smaller and induce anxiety and restlessness.
Vertical Garden-A vertical garden allows the eye to move up hence tricking the mind to perceive more length of the space.
Keep it simple– For a small space, you should avoid a lot of items with decorations and shiny finishes. They can visually take up space making your space feel overwhelming and smaller. Always remember,” Less is More”